مقصورة ابن دريد

Before his death, not what he merely acquired.

Kí ó tó kú, kì í ṣe ohun tí ó kó jọ nìkan.

Man is but a tale after he departs.

Ènìyàn jẹ́ ìtàn lẹ́yìn tí ó bá lọ.

So be a good tale for those who reflect.

Nítorí náà, jẹ́ ìtàn rere fún ẹni tí ó ń ròyìn.

I have milked time in both its halves.

Mo ti mú ìgbà ní àfà méjì rẹ̀.

At times it was bitter for me, and at times sweet.

Nígbà míì ó dùn, nígbà míì ó kórò fún mi.

And from experience, I was spared harshness, so I said.

Láti inú ìrírí, mo yà kúrò ní ìkà, mo sì sọ pé…

In a mature one who tamed trials and mounted them.

Nínú ẹni tí ó ti dàgbà tó ní agbára láti ṣàkóso ìdánwò.

People are fodder for time, which chews them.

Àwọn ènìyàn jẹ́ onjẹ fún àkókò tí ń jẹ wọn.

Rarely does any remain after its bite.

Kò ṣọ́wọ́n kí ẹnikẹ́ni yé lẹ́yìn ìjẹ̀ rẹ̀.

I marvel at one certain that death.

Mo yà á lẹ́nu sí ẹni tí ó mọ̀ dájú pé ikú.